Wellness

The first phase of Obamacare ended yesterday much the same way it began: The federal website drew millions of visitors and crashed at least twice.

Going uninsured is about to get very expensive. New estimates by NerdWallet show the minimum amount of lifetime penalties for someone who is uninsured is more than $36,000.

UnitedHealth Group Inc., which sells insurance on only a few Obamacare exchanges, stands to profit from the law nonetheless.

On the final day of open enrollment on the public exchanges, brokers are concerned that the public may think they have more time than they actually do, thanks to last week’s partial extension. EBA checked in with several storefront brokers to discuss concerns like this one as they enter the final 24 hours of enrollment.

The first yearly sign-up period for Obamacare closes today, with early returns suggesting the administration may reach a projection of 7 million enrollees made before the U.S. health exchange struggled at its startup.

President Barack Obama is “picking and choosing” how the 2010 health care law will be implemented and “doesn’t have the flexibility” legally to do so, U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers said.

Most Hispanics have a favorable view of the Affordable Care Act, but need more information about it to understand the law and how to enroll in the health insurance exchanges, HolaDoctor, a leading health website for Hispanics, says.

In California, a broker leader believes agents were responsible for as much at 75% of the applications on their exchange.

Republican Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan, who sponsored the MLR bill, is moving on from Congress.

Enrollment hits administration’s revised goal, while Obama calls to thank volunteers, navigators, assisters — but not brokers — for their help